Western Australia’s Verve Energy’s new $300 million gas turbines have come online at the company’s Kwinana Power Station.

 

The new high efficiency gas turbines (HEGTs) are the first of their kind to operate in Australia and represent the latest in gas turbine technology. The machines add 200MW of flexible, efficient gas fired generation to the WA power system.

 

“The new HEGTs represent an investment by the State Government of $263million in a long-term power asset for WA that combines excellent efficiency with extremely flexible operating capabilities,” State Energy Minister Peter Collier said.

 

“They replace older generators at Kwinana Power Station, reinforce the security of power supplies in WA as demand continues to grow and will assist Verve Energy’s balancing operations in the WA power system, in particular in supporting its unique role in driving renewable energy platforms in WA.”

 

Key features of the new HEGTs include significantly improved efficiency compared to their predecessors; fast start capabilities, lower emissions and superior hot weather performance.

 

The HEGTs continue Verve Energy’s transition in the competitive electricity market and improve Verve’s overall plant efficiency by making better use of fuel, in particular the gas, freed up by the closure of older machines at Kwinana Power Station.